Restaurant Food Handler Training Requirements

All food handlers working in restaurants shall have training completed by July 1, 2014. Food handler courses with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approval can be found on the ANSI website (states California, but can also be used in Illinois) The course and assessment can be completed online, 24 hours/day and do not need to be monitored by an instructor. Upon passing the assessment, the certificate is immediately available to print.

A local health department that has a Department-approved training program may provide training for restaurants. (See a list of all local health departments in Illinois.)

Any business with an internal training program approved in another state prior to August 27, 2013.

Training Certificate is valid for three years.